Tim Lombard (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As the pandemic goes on, many sectors will have been affected. Many Members have spoken about how the entertainment sector and late-night bars will be affected, but in the past ten days I have become aware of how the charity sector has been grossly affected by the pandemic. Local branches of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and local parishes may have two ways of raising money, one being raffles and the other being church-gate collections. As the House is aware, church-gate collections have been ceased over the past 18 months. This is a busy time of the year for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. It is dealing with the vulnerable and others who need help and support. Unfortunately, the society’s funds are depleted because of the pandemic and the inability to collect money. Members of this House could do a body of work to help to promote the cause and the idea that the next six weeks will be an important six weeks for society. There is great need in society. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul has a great understanding of where that need is. At parish level, it knows exactly who is vulnerable and needs support. I see this in my own parish. It would help if we could do a body of work in the next six weeks to promote the good work of the society, particularly at parish level, so it can identify the people who require help so they may have, I hope, a peaceful, safe and prosperous Christmas. The society buys fuel and Christmas presents and gives food vouchers. I call on the House to do everything it can to help the society to raise its profile, particularly in the next six weeks.